Ancient Ways provides opportunities to study and play the marimba music of Zimbabwe, both internationally, and locally in the mid-Willamette Valley in Oregon.  This picture shares a moment at the Nhimbe for Progress Community Center where children gather after school and on weekends to learn traditional and contemporary music on marimba, with song, drum and dance, as part of our Youth Well Being Program.
 

You Don’t Have To Go All The Way To Zimbabwe To Learn How To Play Marimba!

Mid-Willamette Valley LOCAL Days & Locations

Weekly Zimbabwean music classes for children (6 and up) and adults are offered through us on a year around basis.  See our FAQs for more information.  Feel free to email or call with questions.
 

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Summer Youth 2013 in Corvallis

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED for these Youth Classes to be held in Corvallis:

• Session 1 (rising 4-6th grade): Aug. 12-16 9-12 am
• Session 2 (rising 4-6th grade): Aug. 12-16 1-4 pm
• Session 3 (rising 4-6th grade): Aug. 19-23 9-12 am
• Session 4 (rising 7th+ grade): Aug. 19-23 1-4 pm

The cost of a 3-hour, 5-day session is $170, or $165 with early-bird discount if paid in full by June 15th.  Please send a deposit of $25 to PO Box 346, Scio, 97374, to reserve a space in Youth Summer Marimba Sessions, as soon as possible, so we are able to confirm enrollment. 
 

Mondays in Albany, and Lacomb, Oregon

Monday afternoons 2:30-3:30 p.m. classes are offered for selected 4-6 year old children who attend Sundborn Children’s House, a Montessori school (no experience necessary) during the normal school year.  During the summer they meet on Tuesdays.

Monday afternoon/evenings classes are offered by Ancient Ways at 1005 7th ave, Albany Oregon, during the school year.  In summer classes are held in Lacomb:

• 4:30-6 p.m. Mbira-based marimba repertoire (experience with mbira-based songs)
• 6-7:30 p.m. Intermediate marimba (3 to 12 years experience)
• Please contact us about beginning classes at 7:30.

Tuesdays in Corvallis and Albany, Oregon

Tuesday afternoons 1:30-2:30 p.m. classes are held during the summer for selected 4-6 year old children who attend Sundborn Children’s House, a Montessori school (no experience necessary) in Albany.

Tuesdays classes are offered by Ancient Ways upstairs at 1165 Monroe (First United Methodist classroom), Corvallis Oregon.

• 4-5:20 Youth Ensemble Class (some experience necessary)
• 7-8:30 p.m. Advanced Beginning marimba (3 years experience)
• Please contact us about beginning classes at 5:30.

How & What Do We Learn Together?

The Ancient Ways’ community ensembles study contemporary and traditional songs, and original pieces that are developed in a Zimbabwean style. Students study rhythm and Zimbabwean music using marimba, vocals, drums, mbira (an ancient instrument made of wood with metal keys) and hosho (maranka gourd rattles).  A tape recorder or video camera is extremely helpful to hearing the music outside of the class setting. This is one of the ways to “get it inside of you” if you only play with the ensemble weekly.

A marimba is not initially required to take lessons. If a student decides to pursue studying, a marimba will eventually be needed for practice. A limited number of marimbas are available for weekly rent. If enough students are interested, a community marimba building party is organized so that each person can make their own.  One doesn’t need to be a carpenter to build their marimba.

Zimbabwean music has been passed on for centuries in an aural tradition. We study in groups of about 8 people, also without written music. Individuals learn to listen, be, and refine their innate ability to play music instinctively. You’ll be amazed at what you can do!

Samples: